Ross McCormack faces a pivotal four weeks to determine whether he has a future at Aston Villa.
The Scotland international only joined in the summer from Fulham for £12million but has been left out in recent weeks by manager Steve Bruce and last started for Villa on November 5 in the 2-1 win against Blackburn Rovers.
McCormack, who has scored two goals this season, is keen to establish himself in Bruce's plans but has had little cause for hope.
Bruce also has designs on bringing in another forward in January to help bolster their promotion push.